Need to recycle that old TV?

As the country shifts to a digital broadcast, a lot of old televisions are expected to be retired. That faithful old box may have served you well, but inside are some toxic ingredients – plus some valuable parts that can be recycled. So if you’re getting rid of an old TV it’s important to do it right.

New Zealand’s television signal is switching from analogue to digital. The South Island and Hawke’s Bay have already switched over with the remainder of New Zealand following by December 2013.

Thousands of New Zealanders are expected to upgrade their TV at this time, so the Government has launched a programme called TV TakeBack to make sure that old TVs are disposed of in a way that doesn’t harm the environment.

TVs contain materials such as lead that can be hazardous to our health and the environment so it is important they are kept out of landfill and recycled responsibly. TVs also contain many materials that can be recycled and used to make new products.

Through TV TakeBack the Government has partnered with a range of recyclers, retailers, producers and councils to provide a nationwide network to collect and recycle old TVs.

All participating recyclers must follow the Ministry for the Environment’s guidelines for collecting and recycling e-waste, or the Australian-New Zealand Standard for collection, storage, transport and treatment of electrical and electronic equipment, and must track and report on all collected materials. Recyclers are also being audited by the Ministry for the Environment to make sure they continue to meet these high standards.

TV TakeBack recyclers must follow the best available treatment, which for some materials is currently disposal in ‘Class A’ landfills that are specially lined to stop the harmful substances inside entering the environment.

The Government is subsidising the cost to the public of dropping off their TV for recycling and has committed $11.5 million to the programme – the money comes originally from a levy charged on waste disposed of at landfills.

Unfortunately there is still a small cost for recycling TVs as the value of the materials is currently less than the cost of transport and recycling. However thanks to the Government subsidy, the cost to the public will be no more than $5 – as opposed to the normal $25-$30 cost for this service – but only when the TV TakeBack scheme is running. You can check the website www.tvtakeback.govt.nz for when the scheme applies to your area. It’s on now in the South Island, except on the West Coast where it is finished, and is due soon in the lower North Island (except Hawke’s Bay) and in October 2013 for the upper North Island.

Why shouldn’t I dump it?

Televisions, especially older sets, contain a toxic cocktail of materials. They’re safe sitting in your living room, but if thrown into landfill they can damage the environment – and human health. We look at what’s inside a typical TV, and how it can be recycled.

Cathode ray tube

These contain unleaded glass which is recycled for use in New Zealand, plus leaded glass – which contains between 2kg and 3kg of lead per TV. This is exported to lead smelters overseas which recover the metal, or used as a fluxing agent in copper smelters.

Shadow mask

This contains light gauge steel, nickel and tin which can be recycled in New Zealand.

Phosphor powder

This is a light coating of dust on the inside of the front panel screen which helps create the visible light on TV screens. Phosphor powder contains hazardous substances and cannot be recycled. It is removed in New Zealand and must be sent to sealed Class A landfills.

Plastic casing

These contain substances known as Brominated flame retardants (BFRs), which pose a risk to human health and the environment. Some are persistent organic pollutants, meaning they stay in the environment for a long time if disposed of incorrectly. In line with international requirements, plastic casing from CRT TVs must go to sealed Class A landfills.

Yoke

Made up of a coil of copper wire, this is removed and recycled in New Zealand. Copper fetches between $5 and $6 per kg.

Electron gun

Made from valuable copper, nickel, steel and glass. The recycling process can recover the metals here in New Zealand. The metals are recycled for use in various industries, which significantly reduces the energy input needed to make metal objects from raw materials.

Cables

The copper and/or tin inside can be recovered and recycled in New Zealand. The coating on the cables is typically PVC plastic and contains chemical and heavy metal additives that give it flame resistant qualities. If disposed of in landfill or by incineration these can pollute the soil and air so the plastic is removed from the cabling, ground down in New Zealand and sent overseas where it’s turned into new PVC plastic products.

Low-grade circuit boards

These contain lead, cadmium, copper and other precious metals, depending on the age and model of TV. These are sent to precious metal recyclers overseas.

Where do I go?

As your region goes digital, TV TakeBack will be launched with a range of recycling drop-off points offered through local councils, participating retailers and e-waste recyclers. Visit www.tvtakeback.govt.nz to find your nearest drop-off. If TV TakeBack hasn’t started in your region, and you want to recycle your TV now, you can contact your local council or specialist e-waste recycler to find out what recycling services are currently available. Some retailers and producers are also offering TV TakeBack recycling around New Zealand at different times to the main regional programme; links can be found on the TV TakeBack website.